By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
Public works departments endure summer heat
Recently, scientists officially pronounced July 2019 as the warmest month ever recorded in the history of weather recordkeeping. It hit 101.7 degrees in Cambridge, England, and 108.7 in Paris, and in Chester County, everywhere from West Chester to Oxford slow-basted underneath a broiling sun.
As temperature forecasts predicted the thermometer to register in the high 90s, Chester County officials issued a Code Red alert for extreme heat, signaling that certain procedures are
put in place when the daytime temperatures reach 95 degrees by 11 a.m. on two consecutive days, or when temperatures reach 100 degrees on any given day.
During the early-morning hours of July 22 – a Code Red day – a three-and-ahalf foot wide tree came down across Bucktoe Road in New Garden Township, that took with it all of the power lines in the immediate vicinity. Ken Reed, the township’s Public Works director, notified PECO of the fallen tree, and during the day, Asplundh employees worked through the heat to remove limbs from the road, in order to free
up traffic.
When the morning turned into the afternoon, Reed noticed that while Asplundh was making progress on removing the tree, it wasn’t fast enough. His six-member staff had battled through the same heat the week before – sealing and black-topping roads all over the township – but they quickly responded to Reed’s call and soon arrived at the scene with the appropriate equipment. By the late afternoon, the tree had been completely removed, the traffic flowed again along Bucktoe Road, and power was eventually
In the tank A church in crisis looks for a path forward
At the risk of getting wet, New Garden
graciously volunteered to be the dunk tank target
the
Police Department’s third annual National Night Out, held Aug. 6
West
Borough, Avondale and Toughkenamon. For a complete story and more
see Page 8A.
Dollar Tree seeks a place at former Sears location on Route 1
By Chris Barber Correspondent
The agenda of the Aug. 5 East Marlborough Township Board of Supervisors meeting showcased the popularity of the township for continued business and residential development. Since the closure of the Sears store just off Schoolhouse Road near
Walmart several years ago, the supervisors have handled several conditional use applications for potential occupants.
At a previous meeting, they announced the intention of Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP) to take a large chunk of the former Sears space as the CHOP clinic relocates from
their present location a few hundred yards away. The applicants announced at the time that they wanted a site with easier parking and access. At that same meeting, it was announced that Pet Valu would remain in its present location in the east end of the building.
On Aug. 5, it was announced Continued on Page 5A
By John Chambless Staff Writer
The Kemblesville United Methodist Church and its cemetery are a large part of the village, but with a financial future in crisis, the few remaining members are looking for a way to make something good out of a bad situation.
At the July 17 meeting of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors, Tom Veasey and Dan Mahala from the church estimated the church could survive only two more months before having to close its doors.
“The Kemblesville Church is in great financial difficulty here,” Veasey told the board. “We can’t afford the mortgage for the building. We’re not using that building very much anyway. We just can’t sustain it.”
He explained that the church’s previous pastor, Dave Bergstrom, made a decision to expand the church in 2008, when there were plans to add a large community of homes on property behind the church.
Expecting a population increase, the church, which then had some 150 mem-
bers, decided to put on an addition. That debt now stands at $425,000.
“It was wrong thinking,” Veasey said. “We took more debt on than we should have. With hindsight, it should never have been done. So things started to turn south. We couldn’t afford pastor Dave’s salary anymore. He was probably one of the better paid pastors in the area. There were some other issues going on that I don’t want to get into.
“The decision was made for him to leave,” Veasey continued. “Now, if he had stayed in the Methodist church, he would not have been able to move to a church within a certain number of miles of Kemblesville. But he went to Avondale Presbyterian, and with him went half our congregation.”
The replacement pastor, Veasey said, “is a good guy, but very untraditional. This is a conservative area, and he was far from conservative. So this is where we are now. Trying to regain the congregation will be difficult. People hear about what happened. It’s hard to get new people to come in
Kennett Trails Alliance partnering with Penn Trails to complete 14-mile Kennett Greenway
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
For years, efforts to create a network of public trails in Kennett Township have been strengthened by partnerships, which now include Kennett Township’s Trails & Sidewalks Committee and the Land Conservation Advisory Committee, the Kennett Square Borough and several private nonprofit organizations, including the the Land
Conservancy for Southern Chester County (TLC).
On Aug. 7 at the Kennett Township Building, another partner in the process was formally introduced to the public for the first time, even though they’ve been in the collaborative network for awhile.
During a public presentation, Penn Trails, LLC shared its ideas for the continuing development of the Kennett Greenway Shared Use Path & Trail System, a 14-mile trail that, when
completed, will snake its way through the township.
Headquartered in Carlisle, Pa., Penn Trails LLC is an active member of the Professional Trail Builders Association, who have provided 35 years of guidance and direction to the creation of trail and paths, in collaboration with towns and municipalities. The organization has helped to assess, conceptualize, plan and construct hundreds of miles of trails
Continued on Page 3A
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Township Supervisor Richard Ayotte
at
Southern Regional
in
Grove
photos,
Photo courtesy of London Grove Township
Members of the London Grove Township Public Works Department recently paved blacktop trails throughout Goddard Park on days when the heat index soared above 100 degrees.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw Penn Trails, LLC project manager Amy Lutsko introduced the master plan of the greenway, on Aug. 7 at the Kennett Township Building.
Public works...
Continued from Page 1A
restored to neighbors.
The heat index, Reed noticed, registered one hundred and seventeen degrees.
“It was brutal,” said Reed said, who has been a member of the department since 2008. “We’ve had to postpone work in the past knowing that it will be hot, but there have been hotter days that we couldn’t reschedule, so we’ve just sucked it up and gotten the job done.”
While most of southern Chester County has sought relief from the soaring temperatures in air-conditioned homes and vehicles this summer, the public works employees at local municipalities have served as a sun-burned band of warriors, enduring day after day of nearly unbearable weather conditions that have included long stretches where temperatures have eclipsed the 100-degree mark. In London Grove Township, Public Works
Director Shane Kinsey’s staff have replaced culvert pipes on Sullivan Road in preparation for paving, as well as paved trails in Goddard Park, as part of PECO’s Growing Greener Grant.
In New Garden Township, Reed has worked with his six-member team to replace and realign 400 feet of pipe in a township development and provide blacktop repair to several township roads.
In Kennett Township, Roadmaster Roger Lysle’s five-person staff have done repair and blacktop paving on West Hillendale and Chandler Mill roads, as well as restored faulty road banks.
While their work schedules may differ, the philosophy of how to best compensate for the heat is exactly the same: Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
At New Garden, every Public Works member brings his own insulted thermos cooler to every job, and the department provides a five-gallon container of water, topped off with ice, for the department to consume all day. Reed said that in order to best keep his staff out of the most intense heat of the summer, his department’s hours of operation begin at 6 a.m. and finish at 2 p.m., from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
“There have been times in the past when it’s been so extremely that we have actually begun work at 4:30 or 5 a.m., which allows us
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to finish by lunchtime,” he said.
“We follow all of the safety precautions for our staff,” said Lysle, whose department runs a 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. summer schedule. “Water and Gatorade are always packed for every job. We keep wet rags for guys to use on their necks, and all vehicles are air conditioned.
“We tell all of our guys that if they’re feeling the heat, they have to remember that they’re a part of a team, so if they need to take the time to get cooled down, we tell them all to take the time they need.”
In London Grove Township, Kinsey allows his team to wear shorts when certain projects allow them to, promotes the use of sunscreen and wide-brim hats, and provides canopies and umbrellas at every site, in order to help keep equipment cooler.
who have endured extremely
is largely confined to the summer months. Yet, the increased number of road projects in the township has prevented some of the staff from being able to carry over their vacation time from last year.
“I don’t know if there’s a paycheck this summer that has not registered overtime work, just because there has so much for us to do,” Reed said. “We’re here day in and day out. We do anything and everything that comes in, whether it’s repair a stop sign that’s fallen down, remove a downed tree that’s come down during a thunderstorm. We’re always here and always ready to do what needs to be done.”
knows first-hand what the intense heat can do. A few years ago, Lysle was working with his crew to install a post-and-rail fence at the intersection of Bayard and Hillendale roads. Over time, the heat became so intense that he took refuge in a nearby work vehicle with a bottle of water.
or blacktop they are working with, and notice cars that have stopped near the project. Suddenly, the windows of the cars will roll down, and from each car, a hand will emerge, offering them a six-pack of water or Gatorade, and along with it, a gracious “Thank you.”
“You get to a point where you’re almost nauseous and then you realize that you have to get out of the heat,” he said. “Even if you are drinking water, some days the heat of the blacktop is almost unbearable. No one in our department has ever had an incident based on heat related issues, but we’ve had moments when we’ve told each other, ‘Hey, I’ve had enough.’”
“Hydration is one of our big concerns,” said Kinsey, whose department utilizes a four-day work week from Memorial Day to Labor Day. “At our shop we have an ice machine and we provide coolers and water bottles for field use. We also have urine color charts mounted in all restrooms as a reminder to staff of the importance of hydration. Staff also purchases ice pops and keeps them in the freezer for a refreshing cool down at the end of the day.” Due to the need for having its staff on call on during the winter to help remove snow and ice in New Garden Township, Reed said that vacation time for his department
Reed, Lysle and Kinsey do not just sit in their airconditioned offices issuing work orders, but often climb aboard machines themselves in an effort to get the work done, so each
Every so often during the hottest summer days, Lysle said, the Kennett Township Public Works Department will look up from the steaming residue of sealant
“We have always had, like other townships, a minimal amount of employees to do a maximum amount of work,” said Lysle, who has been with the department for 38 years. “Once you’ve been here a while, you begin to take pride in your work, and the township becomes an extension of your own back yard. “For all of my employees, our belief is ‘Public first.’ We have a great rapport with our public, and they think highly of their road crew.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Photo by Richard L. Gaw
Chas Holcomb, left, Andy McCann, Sr., center, and Andrew NiCastro, right, are three of the seven members of the New Garden Township Public Works Department
hot temperatures on the job this summer.
Continued from Page 1A
in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia and Ohio.
In his introductory remarks to the audience, Mike Bontrager, chairman of the Trails & Sidewalks Committee, said that the committee has been working with Penn Trails, LLC for the past three years to eventually complete the trail.
The Kennett Greenway currently has 6.5 miles of existing trails and an additional 1.8 miles that are in the planning stages or are about to be developed. Beginning clockwise at its northernmost point, the completed trail will begin just south of Route 1, travel past the KAU Little League fields and through Anson B. Nixon Park, extend through the east side of the borough and then veer south of the Legacy sports fields. It will then extend slightly southeast across East Hillendale Road and to the Stateline Woods Preserve, and slightly over the state line into Delaware, where it will intersect the Marshall Bridge Preserve and Auburn Valley State Park in Yorklyn. From there, the trail will reach its southernmost point near the MasonDixon monument, and veer north through the Chandler Mill Nature Preserve, the Bucktoe Creek Preserve, the Parish Trail and past Pennock Park, where it will travel through the western end of the borough to just south of Route 1. Penn Trails, LLC project manager Amy Lutsko introduced the master plan of the project that will
serve as a “guiding document” to ultimately link the greenway in a contiguous, unbroken chain. She said that the objectives for the master plan are to build and design a project that will be executed by the township, and connect it to neighboring communities like the borough, East Marlborough Township, and New Garden Township, as well as county-wide corridors like the Brandywine Greenway and the MasonDixon Trail.
Lutsko said that each trail will be between eight and ten feet wide.
The greenway will continue to only be constructed on public lands, public right of ways, private trail easements and non-profit land trusts, and traverse natural resources like streams, wetlands and fields.
The first steps that Penn Trails LLC will take toward the completion of the trail will be to create an action plan for prioritizing each segment of the trail; identify the cost of each trail segment; and identify significant natural, constructed and critical features along the trail.
Lutsko said that a major component of the plan is to be in compliance with local land use plans; state, county and township plans; historical and cultural resources; existing trails and sidewalks; and how each segment is and will be funded.
As part of their involvement in the project, Penn Trails, LLC will also recommend trail connections to community assets and other trail systems, signage placements and barriers, trail heads and pavement
markings.
Lutsko stressed the importance of enlisting stakeholders in the project. To assist Penn Trails, LLC in “the clarity, information, insight and review” of the master plan, the township has created a study committee, made up of nine members of several other township committees.
“It is absolutely critical to create community development, in order to advance and implement the vision of the Kennett Greenway. It’s all part of a master plan,” said Lutsko, who added that additional public meetings will be scheduled in the coming year.
Right now, Lutsko said there are five parts of the greenway that have been funded and are under full or partial construction, and there are eight locations that are currently in the conceptual design stage. She said that Penn Trails, LLC expects to complete its final master plan by the end of October, as well as explore funding sources.
While the vast majority of the greenway does – and is proposed to –slice through natural areas, one audience member remarked that a portion connects with some more residential/industrial locations. She asked if there would be any efforts to spruce up those areas.
While Lutsko said that the idea will likely be included as a recommendation on the master plan, Bontrager said that beautifying these pockets along the trail could be achieved by the work of volunteers.
“Could people come to us and tell us, ‘Hey, we want to help’?” Bontrager said. “If people want to
come and join in, that’s fantastic, and we would welcome that.”
From an economic standpoint, Bontrager said that a public trail system like the Kennett Greenway not only connects communities, it’s an advantage for homeowners.
“Statistics show us that home values go up when you have proximity to a trail system, as well as a better quality of life. The more that we’re experiencing the beauty of what we have in this township, the better off we are,” he said. “Trails are becoming the most desirable amenity for every community.”
To learn more about Penn Trails, LLC, visit www. penntrails.com.
To learn more about the Kennett Greenway Shared Use Path & Trail System, visit www.kennettgreenway.com.
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Kennett Greenway Study Committee
Michael O’Brien, Kennett Township Administration
Michael Guttman, Sustainable Development Office
Kathryn Pearlstine Freilich, Sustainable Development Office
Jeff Yetter, Land Conservation Advisory Committee
Mike Hanford, Environmental Advisory Council
Marla Palmer, Planning Commission
Abbie Kessler, The Land Conservancy of Southern Chester County
Tom Janton, Kennett Trails Alliance
Rachael Griffith, Chester County Planning Department
No updates in Kennett Township fraud investigation
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
While the Aug. 7 Kennett Township Board of Supervisors meeting revealed nothing in the way of updates about the continuing investigation of possible fraud in the township, the supervisors did vote in favor of a new payroll system, and informed those in attendance that the hiring of a new township manager could be finalized soon. As he has been doing since May, board chairman Scudder Stevens began the meeting by reading from a prepared statement that gave the audience the latest information about the two investigations undertaken by the Chester County District Attorney’s Office and a forensic auditor –hired by the township -- that are looking into suspicious transactions on township accounts that were first detected in late April.
“You’ll recall that I’ve reported at each meeting on both parts of the investigation: First, the District Attorney’s investigation into the criminal portion of this matter,” Stevens said. “Second, the forensic accountant’s investigation into determining how and to what extent actions were taken that were either improper or illegal. We continue to be in regular communication with those leading both investigations and both are proceeding normally and on schedule.
“There are no changes to report at this time,” Stevens added. “I regret that I can-
not provide any more details than that right now.”
When Stevens was asked to provide more specifics as to what he meant by saying that the investigation was “proceeding normally and on schedule,” he said that the intention of the District Attorney’s Office and the forensic auditor is to “move this thing along as quickly and as thoroughly as possible. The dates that we’ve heard are that this could be ready to come to fruition sometime in mid-September.”
That date was consistent with past updates and reports related to the investigation, but Kennett Township Police Chief Lydell Nolt amended Stevens’ predicted investigation timeline by saying that the investigation is “progressing.”
“As long as there is information available, the detectives are wanting to continue this investigation and we are all on track with that process,” Nolt said. “The time frame to finish depends on how far the investigation goes and where the information that
is available leads to.”
In other township news, the board voted unanimously to approve a recommendation by interim township manager Alison Rudolf to shift the township’s payroll manager to a service provider specializing in payroll service.
The vote enables the township to enter into an agreement with The Payroll Factory for an annual account not to exceed $3,000, or about $94 per pay period. Headquartered in Malvern, the locally owned service company has been providing payroll services for over 30 years to hundreds of companies throughout the United States.
The contract will first be applied to the township’s fourth quarter payroll, beginning on Oct. 1.
Rudolf said that the new agreement will improve efficiency, increase internal controls, tighten security and incorporate new technology. Currently, the township uses QuickBooks to manage its accounting records and payroll, and while Rudolf said that the system is adequate
for smaller entities, the township has increased the size of its staff in recent years, which has created more complex needs for the township’s accounting and payroll system.
Rudolf surveyed 15 other municipalities in the area, and of them, 11 use an outside payroll service, she said.
“We have a very scant staff in the area of finance,” Rudolf said. “There was a very heavy involvement in the finance area by the former manager, and with the size of Kennett Township, the size of the budget and adding [investments in] EMS (Emergency Services) and open space, you’re upwards of the $6 million to $7 million range, and you really need more support in managing your systems. This is a good first step in that direction,
and it is something that is commonly done by other municipalities. It’s a more robust system for payroll.”
Stevens agreed with Rudolf that contracting with the outside firm is a good idea.
“We continue to work diligently to ensure that the government of Kennett Township proceeds without interruption, and to take prudent steps to add both additional safeguards and security to all of our systems – financial and otherwise,” he said.
Stevens also detailed in his opening statement that the township has narrowed the field of candidates for its now vacant township manager position, and said that the available position received 33 qualified applicants.
“We narrowed the field considerably and are work-
ing diligently to finalize our selection – including going through the later stages of due diligence, including a thorough background check,” Stevens said. “We believe it prudent to leave it to that right now. When we have the homework side of things done, we will have complete information to announce – including a timetable.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@chestercounty.com.
Courtesy art
Once completed, the Kennett Greenway Shared Use Path & Trail System will form a 14-mile contiguous loop around most of Kennett Township. Currently, about 6.5 miles of the trail have been developed.
Kennett Square Borough receives $500,000 in grant funding for infrastructure upgrades
Overall, the Chester County Commissioners approve $2.5 million in Community Revitalization Program awards to boroughs throughout the county
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
Kennett Square Borough is being awarded a $500,000 grant from the county for infrastructure upgrades, including improvements for storm-water as well as the curb and sidewalk on the south side of Birch Street.
The funding is being provided through the Chester County Community Revitalization Program (CRP). Chester County Commissioners Michelle Kichline, Kathi Cozzone and Terence Farrell unanimously approved $2.5 million in CRP grants at a public meeting in late July.
“For more than 16 years, these CRP grants have helped to improve communities across Chester County, focusing on our urban areas,” said Commissioners’ Chair Michelle Kichline. “Not only do they help to improve the public health and safety of our community, but they also set the stage for development and redevelopment, in line with both our County’s strategic plan, and our comprehensive plan, Landscapes3.”
Some of the other projects receiving CRP funding this year include:
~ The City of Coatesville will receive
an award of $500,000 for the construction of a new parking garage on Fleetwood Street, as part of the train station project.
~ The Borough of Phoenixville will receive $402,000 to help upgrade its waste water treatment plant incorporating an innovative hydrothermal carbonization (HCT) process that is one of the first installations in the nation.
~ The Borough of West Chester is being awarded $400,000 for streetscape improvements on South High Street, including crosswalks, the installation of upgraded lighting, curb bump-outs and bus shelters.
~ The Borough of Atglen will receive a $300,000 for security measures at the water treatment plant and West End Sewer Pump Station.
~ The Borough of Modena is being awarded $248,000 for rehabilitation of its South Brandywine Avenue Bridge.
~ The Borough of Honey Brook will receive $150,000 to maintain borough utilities for the West James Street water loop.
“Chester County’s $68 million investment since 2002 in community revitalization projects is now paying dividends for our urban centers,” said Commissioner Kathi
Cozzone. “Every borough and the City of Coatesville have realized significant increases in their taxable assessment because of the CRP investment, with an average increase of just under 20 percent. That equates to a combined increased assessment value of more than $568 million.”
Commissioner Terence Farrell added, “The CRP grants are structured to
help our 16 urban centers complete infrastructure improvements through direct funds that have leveraged millions more in investment. It is an efficient and effective program that encourages our urban centers to review the needs of their communities and development plans to make the changes happen. Often these changes are less glamorous, but very
important upgrades to water, storm water, sewer systems and streetscapes, and with every completion, residents and businesses really benefit.”
Since the Community Revitalization Program began in 2002, Chester County has awarded more than $68 million in Community Revitalization Program and Community Development Block Grant
program grants to the sixteen urban centers (City of Coatesville and the 15 Boroughs) for infrastructure improvements, according to Pat Bokovitz, director of Chester County Department of Community Development.
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty. com.
Remembering 1956
The Unionville High School Class of 1956 reunited in late June at Hood’s BBQ in Unionville to share stories and reminisce.
Those in attendance were (front row, left to right): Ginny (Pratt) Pitts, Emilie (Batton) Ritrovato, Doris (Pennington) Wright,
Dorothy Kit (Heath) Bennett, Wanda (Pennington) Marquess, Mary (Southard) Burton, and Delores (Madron) Abel. Back row
(from left): Richard Hess, Frankie (Corum) Dillow, Bill Murphy, Ed Pettit, Bill Stuart, George (Buddy) Driesbach and Kenny Gentry.
Chester County Press
Dinniman welcomes New London pastor as Pa. Senate Chaplain
Pastor Josh Roberts of the Christian Life Center in New London recently served as Pennsylvania Senate Chaplin for the day at the invitation of State Sen. Andy Dinniman.
Dinniman invited Roberts and his family to visit the state Capitol in Harrisburg and lead the Senate invocation as a representative of the Christian Life Center, which currently serves hundreds of members in southern Chester County.
“It was a great and inspiring experience. And it brought me a sense of relief to see some civil discourse and hospitality on the floor of the legislature,” he said. “In addition, I was grateful to learn the historical significance of the Capitol building and know that some of the things that William Penn did more than 300 years ago continue to have an impact today.”
when they think the church might not make it, or they heard rumors. We’re trying to move forward now.”
Several options for the building were detailed by Veasey. Chief among them is to turn the church into low-income housing for veterans or seniors, in a design similar to that of the Luther House in Penn Township. This would require a grant from the State of Pennsylvania and the grant application must be submitted by November. The building could also possibly
Roberts also thanked Dinniman for giving him and his family a personal, behind-the-scenes tour of the historic capitol building.
The Christian Life Family Center, one of the largest churches in the region, traces its roots to the New London Presbyterian Church, which has a rich and storied history that coincides with the birth of the United States.
The New London Presbyterian Church was founded by Francis Alison, who in 1743, also opened the New London Academy, a free school that taught logic, ethics, metaphysics, classical languages, history, rhetoric, math and science. There, Alison personally instructed several prominent leaders and statesman including three signers of the Declaration of Independence. In 1751, Alison left the
be sold or rented to businesses or for use as offices.
“For seniors or veteran housing, the estimate is that there could be 30 to 40 apartments in there,” Veasey said, adding that the sanctuary could be split into two floors, with apartments on both levels. “Ideally, we would like them to leave us some worship space somewhere,” he added.
After getting a favorable initial opinion from the Franklin Township board, Veasey said he will explore applying to the state for grant money in connection with the low-income housing proposal.
New London Academy at the behest of Benjamin Franklin to serve as vice provost of the College of Philadelphia, which would later become the University of Pennsylvania. However, in 1767 he returned to New London and led students to expand and relocate the institution to Newark, Delaware where it eventually became the University of Delaware.
Dinniman, a historian and educator by trade, said he enjoyed discussing the history of both the church and the Pennsylvania Capitol building with Roberts.
“I want to thank Pastor Roberts for joining me on the Senate floor and offering an inspirational prayer and a positive message to the legislature,” Dinniman said. “I look forward to continuing to work with him and his congregation on ways to engage the com-
“We wanted to go get a feel for what the board thinks. Nobody has the answers right now,” he said. “There is a lot of space in the building. The fellowship hall downstairs could be divided, there’s a commercial kitchen, and there are lots of classrooms.”
Board chairman John Auerbach told Veasey, “I’m not opposed to this plan. You should get options and get back to us quickly. I want to see what you can do. I’ve lived here 40 years, and the church has always been here. So, we’re giving you a favorable opinion, but we need more details.”
munity in various areas of need.”
Originally from Georgia, Roberts, 38, grew up in the church as the son of a retired pastor.
Prior to coming to the Christian Life Center, Roberts planted churches in northwest Georgia before overseeing campus devel-
opment of a large church in Montana.
He has an undergraduate degree in math education and a degree in Bible education ministries, as well as a master’s degree in theology from Liberty Baptist Seminary. He is currently working on his doctorate in Christian leadership.
The board offered to hold an additional meeting about the plans for the church before their regular Aug. 28 meeting. As of Aug. 12, no meeting has been announced.
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@chestercounty. com.
that a Dollar Tree has also applied to occupy 10,000 square feet of that old Sears building, as well as two smaller stores. In a related matter, Township Manager Laurie Prysock said that a new liquor store is scheduled to open soon in the former Super Fresh market in the Shoppes at Longwood Village. The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board has posted a public invitation to a 4 p.m. ribbon cutting on Sept. 5 for the Fine Wine & Good Spirits Premium Collection store. Also at the Aug. 5 meeting, the supervisors gave approval to Toll Brothers’ final land development plan along Route 82 at the RP Nursery site. The plan includes 42 homes on 26 acres on the west side, and 26 acres of open space on the east side, according to Prysock. Along Mill Road, the supervisors approved subdividing the 66-acre Weisbrod estate. The area is zoned residential and will be five lots with a minimum of 10 acres each. The supervisors also approved a resolution to support Landscapes3, as well as a memorandum of understanding with Kennett Township on the Cedarcroft signal grant.
Construction continues on the Garnet Quick Lane on the north side of Route 1 adjacent to the Wawa. The project received conditional approval in 2017, and is owned by Garnet Ford.
Courtesy photo
Pastor Josh Roberts of the Christian Life Center in New London and his family on the floor of the Pennsylvania Senate with state Sen. Andy Dinniman. Pictured (from left to right): Dinniman with Pastor Roberts and his children Sophie, Amelia, and Briggs, and wife, Julie.
Kemblesville United Methodist Church is facing a financial deadline to find a use for its large building.
Overdose deaths in Chester County up slightly over same time period last year
By Steven Hoffman Staff Writer
A total of 65 people in Chester County have been confirmed to have died of a drug overdose during the first half of 2019, according to data recently released by the Chester County Coroner’s Office.
That’s a slight increase over the number of overdose deaths that were reported during the same time period in 2018.
According to the report, 62 of the 65 deaths in 2019 were determined to be accidental, while the 3 other incidents were determined to be a result of suicide. During the first six months of 2018, there were
a total of 57 overdose deaths reported.
Pennsylvania has been hit particularly hard by the opioid drug crisis, though there are signs that prevention efforts are paying off. In 2018, Pennsylvania had the thirdhighest rate of drug overdose deaths in the country, but overall overdose deaths decreased last year. According to Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) data, Pennsylvania saw an 18.8 percent decrease in overdose deaths in 2018. The Coroner’s Office reported 112 accidental overdose deaths in Chester County in 2018, a 22 percent drop from 2017.
According to the Chester County Coroner’s Office, the demographic profile of those who have died of an accidental drug overdose so far in 2019 is similar to that of previous years, with the affected population remaining predominantly male (77 percent), white (80 percent), and in the 25-44 year age range.
One drug—fentanyl— is responsible for a large percentage of the overdose deaths in Chester County. This synthetic opioid is found in almost 76 percent of the overdose cases. No other substance comes close to that total, but most fatalities involve multiple drugs, both illicit and
prescription.
Heroin, the next most common drug, was present in 22.6 percent of Chester County cases. Acetyl fentanyl, another synthetic opioid, and xylazine, a large animal anesthetic, were both found in 19.4 percent of cases, always in combination with fentanyl.
Ethanol (alcohol) and prescription benzodiazepines like alprazolam were found in 17.7 percent and 16.1 percent of cases, respectively. So far this year cocaine, amphetamine, and methamphetamine have been detected in less than 15 percent of drug deaths.
“People in Chester County continue to die from drug
Rep. Williams, Policy Committee discuss fair education funding
State Rep. Dan Williams, D-Chester, hosted a House Democratic Policy Committee public hearing on fair education funding at The Spackman Center in Coatesville.
Williams requested the hearing to discuss ways to improve the allocation of educating funds for school districts throughout Pennsylvania. Testifiers and lawmakers examined how money impacts education, how well-resourced schools generally perform better on achievement tests, the best ways to adequately fund schools, and why senior citizens are concerned about an increase in property taxes.
Williams was joined by legislators from across the state, including Policy Committee Chairman Mike Sturla, D-Lancaster.
“Today’s hearing allowed many voices to be heard, voices of folks who are invested in our youth, who care about making sure our schools are properly funded, and that those funds are fairly distributed,” said Williams, a member of the Children and Youth Committee who represents the 74th Legislative District, including Coatesville. “It’s vital that we continue to have an open dialogue with our residents, including
our seniors whose property taxes fund their local schools, as well as with educators, policy directors and fellow lawmakers. All of us share in a desire to do what’s best for our next generation.”
Added Sturla: “As I’ve said numerous times, we need to find ways to accelerate equitable funding that guarantees no students, regardless of where they come from, are left behind. This hearing gave a voice to those who truly care about the quality of education for all of our children.”
The committee heard testimony from Pam Brown, president of PSEA
Southeastern Region; Henry Assetto, school board director at Coatesville Area School District; Tomea Sippio-Smith, K12 policy director for Public Citizens for Children and Youth; Reynelle Brown Staley, policy director for Education Law Center; and local senior citizens about property taxes.
This hearing is among a series being held across the commonwealth on House Democrats’ Plan4PA, which focuses on putting people first by growing good jobs, providing health care access, creating quality schools and providing training for jobs in a fair economy.
overdoses largely due to the super-strong opioid fentanyl,”
Chester County Coroner Dr. Christina VandePol said in a statement. “This is not your prescription painkiller, it’s an illegal street drug often substituted for heroin.
The 2018 drop in deaths is encouraging, but the recent up-tick shows we can’t relax prevention, law enforcement, or treatment approaches in an effort to bring an end to this epidemic.”
VandePol added, “The number of drug deaths continues to challenge the resources of many coroner and medical examiner offices, including ours. Nevertheless,
we remain committed to supporting law enforcement efforts, providing answers for families, and reporting accurate and current data by performing an autopsy and toxicology testing in suspected drug overdose deaths. We communicate information on these and other deaths on our website, and to many other agencies, including Chester County Drug and Alcohol Services, the District Attorney’s Office, the Chester County and PA Departments of Health, and http://www.overdosefreepa. org.”
To contact Staff Writer Steven Hoffman, email editor@chestercounty.com.
Overdose
An overdose awareness vigil by Kacie’s Cause is scheduled to take place on the green near the Oxford Presbyterian Church on Saturday, Aug. 31 at 7 p.m.
This is an opportunity to come out and light a candle for a loved one who is lost or struggling with a substance use disorder. There will be speakers, Narcan training, and much more.
Kacie’s Cause is a nonprofit organization for parents, family and friends of those battling the disease of addiction. It was founded by Andy and Donna Rumford on March 12, 2013 — the day their daughter, Kacie Erin Rumford, died of a heroin overdose.
Courtesy image
An overdose awareness vigil will take place on Aug. 31.
This past January, before the mass shootings in Dayton and El Paso left more than 30 people dead last weekend, and before the number of mass shootings this year in the United States reached a neat and tidy 250, members of the U.S. House of Representatives introduced two bills which, if passed by the U.S. Senate and approved by the President, could potentially preserve human lives.
H.R. 8 would create new universal background check requirements for gun transfers between unlicensed individuals.
H.R. 1112 calls for a tightening of background check procedures to be followed before a Federal firearms licensee may transfer a firearm to a person who is not such a licensee.
Both these bipartisan bills were passed by the House in February of this year, and have received the support of 90 percent of Americans.
Both have been blocked from a Senate vote by Senate Majority Mitch McConnell for more than
Letter to the Editor:
I am a female who was born in Wilmington, Del. and grew up in Elsmere.
I was raised during a time when everyone treated each other with respect.
We didn’t eat a lot of fast food because it was considered a treat, not a food group.
We drank homemade punch, iced tea, and lemonade in the summer.
We ate bologna, tuna fish, peanut butter and jelly, and
Editorial
Mitch’s summer vacation
160 days. There is good news, however; McConnell said that he would put these laws “front and center” when the Senate reconvenes from its summer vacation in September.
That’s one month away. With this country’s current track record on mass shootings, one fears that another violent tragedy may occur by the hands of a gunman who purchases a firearm without a sufficient background check.
Last week, the U.S. Conference of Mayors, which includes 214 mayors from around the country, sent a letter to McConnell, demanding that he immediately call the Senate back into session to pass H.R. 8, the Bipartisan Background Checks Act, and H.R. 1112, the Enhanced Background Checks Act.
“This inaction must stop,” the letter read. “We know background checks save lives. Every day background checks stop more than 170 felons and 50 domestic abusers from getting a gun. Any delay to pass common sense gun violence prevention legislation only increases the chances that more innocent
people in America may suffer from the tragic and needless loss caused by gun violence.”
The mayors were not alone in condemning McConnell for his inaction. Pennsylvania Senators Bob Casey and Pat Toomey also unloaded their vitriol, calling for McConnell to get the Senate immediately back into session.
“Enough,” Casey wrote. “We don’t have to live like this. Politicians who refuse to take action to reduce gun violence are complicit in this carnage. If we’re going to truly confront this uniquely American problem, we have to speak uncomfortable truths.
“Over and over again, domestic terrorists use high powered, military-style assault weapons to kill our children and our families. There are a whole range of steps that must be taken. Congress’s first priority must be passing universal background checks, limiting the size of magazines and banning military-style assault weapons, among other measures.”
This inactivity particularly galled Toomey, a Republican. In 2013, he introduced a bipartisan
piece of legislation with West Virginia Senator Joe Manchin, a Democrat, that would require background checks on most private part firearm sales. The ManchinToomey Amendment was voted on and defeated on April 17, 2013 by a vote of 54–46.
In another act of bipartisanship, Toomey and Chris Coons (D-Del.) released a statement on Aug. 6, in support of bipartisan congressional action known as the NICS Denial Notification Act, which provides states with critical information to help them enforce existing laws against individuals who attempt to purchase firearms but have no legal right to do so.
The act would require federal authorities to alert state law enforcement within 24 hours when individuals “lie and try” to purchase firearms, which can be a warning sign of additional criminal behavior.
“The only way to make necessary progress on improving the nation’s gun safety laws is through bipartisan action,” the statement read.
“Strengthening our firearm background check system is
Letter to the Editor
What happened?
an area where this is possible. In addition to expanding the scope of background checks, Congress should promptly pass the bipartisan NICS Denial Notification Act to ensure that state and local law enforcement are notified when someone prohibited from purchasing a gun attempts to do so.”
While McConnell enjoys his summer vacation, it remains unthinkable as to why he will not interrupt it for the sake of American lives, but we have come to expect this behavior in our Senate Majority leader. This Son of Kentucky has become the saloon keeper of a nation he in conspiring to turn into the OK Corral, and right now the bar reeks of booze, sweat, lawlessness and hubris. He really has no intention of bringing responsible laws concerning gun safety to a vote, and why should he?
McConnell is having too much fun at the saloon, soaking in the booze of the $1.26 million in contributions he’s received from the National Rifle Association*, at the same time the NRA has spent $1.6 million during the first half of this year lobbying Congress against
laws that would enact stricter background checks for people looking to purchase firearms. In 2014, McConnell was the recipient of the NRA’s “Defender of Freedom” award. During his remarks, he said, “The liberal establishment in Washington doesn’t understand Kentucky values and it doesn’t want to. That’s why I’ve been one of the biggest champions of protecting our constitutional right to bear arms. ... So as long as Washington attacks our heritage, I’ll fight back.”
In the end though, we can be assured that Mitch McConnell truly cares about the safety of the American people, and he’s proven it by putting his empathy for the victims of these most recent shootings front and center. On Aug. 3 at 3:59 p.m., the day of the El Paso shootings, he tweeted that he and his wife’s “prayers go out to the victims of this terrible violence.”
*Data compiled by the Center for Responsive Politics
grilled cheese sandwiches and tomato soup, hot dogs, and pot pies, but mostly homemade meals consisting of meat, potatoes, vegetable, bread and butter, and homemade dessert made by our mothers.
We grew up during a time when we helped our mothers and received a small allowance. We were outside every chance we got to play with our Barbies, hopscotch, play jacks, jump rope, or ride bikes. We walked everywhere, including to and from school
from grades one to nine, in all kinds of weather.
We walked to Prices Corner, took the Dart bus into town on Saturdays and went to the library, maybe saw a movie, “The Dry,” and Woolworth’s where we popped balloons for a banana split, hoping ours would cost one penny.
We went to church every Sunday or on Saturday late afternoon when that started. We went to Sunday school and CCD classes. We went to the pool during the summers,
took swimming lessons, and had pool parties. We danced for three hours every Friday night at the Elsmere Fire Hall. We watched TV shows like “Father Knows Best”, “Andy Griffith,” “I Love Lucy,” “Leave it to Beaver,” “Ozzie and Harriet,” “My Three Sons,” and “The Twilight Zone.”
After school, we came home and did our homework at the dining room or kitchen table. We had to tell our parents where we were going, who we
were going with, and they told us what time to be home. You learned from your father and mother and you respected and obeyed them. We ate around the dinner table as a family and talked to one another. In school, we said the Pledge of Allegiance, we stood for the National Anthem, listened to our teachers, and learned. At age 15 or 16, we got a job and worked at night and on Saturdays. We were taught respect and we showed it around our aunts
and uncles, grandparents, and all adults. We never heard foul language on the television and we were not permitted to speak it. We grew up to respect the nation, the flag, the President and all those in uniform. We were parentfearing and God-fearing, and we grew up to become hardworking and caring adults and now we are wondering why everything got so screwed up.
Janine M. Maichle Kirkwood, Pa.
Why is Chester County not taking a position against the hostile takeover attempt by Aqua?
An open letter to the Chester County Commissioners:
I attended your July 23rd Sunshine meeting after revelations that political party leader, Val DiGiorgio, was “in the loop” and met with the Commissioners weeks in advance of the offer by Aqua to purchase the Chester Water Authority (CWA). I came to ask you to reappoint Leonard Rivera to fill the vacancy on the CWA Board
after the July 19th resignation of Christopher Burkett because of a possible conflict of interest.
On July 25th, the Commissioners posted a statement on the Chester County government Facebook page. The post stated that you, the Commissioners, believe that the CWA Board acted appropriately in making the decision to reject the May 2017 offer to purchase the CWA. You then said: “That determination forms the basis
of pending litigation in the Delaware County Court of Common Pleas.” What determination formed the basis for the pending litigation, the CWA Board’s decision not to sell or the CWA Board’s appropriate action in making that decision?
Last week, I went to the Delaware County Court to observe legal arguments in the pending litigation that you referenced in your statement. Your solicitor was there in attendance, as were numerous
attorneys, including several for the City of Chester and several for Aqua PA. The attorneys for the City of Chester and Aqua are arguing in court that the City has the right to sell the assets of the CWA without the consent of the CWA Board. If the Chester County solicitor was in attendance in court, why is Chester County not taking a position against this hostile takeover attempt by Aqua? Some of the assets of the CWA are situated in Chester County.
In the Daily Local News article of July 28th, Commissioner Kichline is quoted as saying “we believe that privatization is not the right decision for southern Chester County.” Then would the Commissioners support an investor-owned utility takeover of a fiscally responsible municipal authority in other parts of Chester County?
Finally, if Christopher Burkett chose to resign because of a conflict, why did you reappoint Thomas Chiomento even though he asked not to be reappointed? Why would Mr. Chimento’s former position as Director of Public Affairs with Aqua America not be considered a conflict too? The immediate reappointment of Leonard Rivera to the CWA Board would be a step toward restoring the confidence of those who support the CWA. Blair Fleischmann Oxford
Killion joins Wolf, Casey in calling for action on gun safety
In the aftermath of two mass shootings that stunned the nation, Sen. Tom Killion joined Gov. Tom Wolf, U.S. Sen. Bob Casey and a bi-partisan group of lawmakers and activists at the state Capitol in calling for action on new gun safety laws.
“Our hearts break again for the victims of gun violence and their families,” said Killion referring to the more than thirty people who died last weekend from mass shootings in El Paso and Dayton.
“One hundred people die every day in this country from gun violence. This is unacceptable for a civilized society. We absolutely must take action now on our country’s gun violence epidemic. Enough is enough,” Killion added.
Killion touted his Red Flag
legislation, Senate Bill 90, which would allow judges to order the temporary removal of firearms from dangerous and disturbed individuals to help prevent gun suicides and mass shootings. Also referred to as Extreme Risk Protection Order (ERPO) legislation, President Donald Trump and U.S. Sen. Pat Toomey announced their support for a federal Red Flag law earlier this week.
“Families this day are burying their loved ones,” said Gov. Wolf. “We know commonsense gun violence reduction tactics work. We must honor the Second Amendment, but the Second Amendment is not a license to kill,” continued Wolf before calling for the swift passage of the Extreme Risk Protection Order Act.
“We come here today to
tell leaders in Washington and around the country that the time for talk is over and the time for action is now,” said Sen. Bob Casey. “We must take action at long last against the scourge of gun violence.”
Julia Mallory of
Harrisburg
who lost her 17-year old son, Julian, to gun violence also addressed the assembled crowd.
“Communities that wake up and never anticipate this magnitude of tragedy are not immune from tragedy. Now
An alert southern Chester County resident wanted to share details about a recent scam attempt.
The resident received about five calls over two days from a recorded voice claiming that there is some negative activity with respect to his social security number, and that he must (press one) link to another site to avoid criminal prosecution. Additionally, about four months ago, he received a call from someone claiming to be from the IRS who said that if he wanted to avoid liens, prosecution, and the forfeiture of property, he needed to respond.
The resident offered a good reminder that the Social Security Administration and the IRS would not contact people by phone for issues of this kind. The communications are always through the mail. Unsolicited telephone calls are now far too often a scam attempt.
is the time for us to wake up and act. It will never be convenient or easy – as we know progress rarely is,” said Mallory.
Said Killion, “In Pennsylvania alone, there are over 1,500 gun deaths a
year, 62 percent of which are suicides. Just in 2016, 236 troubled veterans committed suicide in our state, most with guns. This can’t continue. My Red Flag legislation preserves due process rights and will save lives.”
Regional Police celebrate National Night Out
By Richard L. Gaw Staff Writer
On April 23, the Southern Chester County Regional Police Department (SCCRPD) Public Safety Commissioners and the Avondale Borough Council agreed to an 18-month contract with the police to provide 24/7 coverage to the borough’s 1,400 residents, beginning on July 1.
On Aug. 6, hundreds of residents of that town came out to thank their new police department – as did many residents in Toughkenamon and West Grove – all at the same time.
With the support of more than two dozen sponsors, the Regional Police held three simultaneous events last Tuesday evening in recognition of National Night Out, a national campaign that promotes policecommunity partnerships. Held annually since 1984, the event enhances the relationship
between neighbors and law enforcement by bringing police and neighbors together under positive circumstances.
The Avondale event, held at the corner of State Street and Gap-Newport Pike, included a performance by the Avon Grove High School Marching Band, pony rides, a moon bounce, face painting and an appearance by the 1067 CTC affiliate of the National Guard. Just up the road in West Grove Borough, the center of town teemed with activity, from food trucks to a performance by the Younger Than Charlie Band to EMS demonstrations by the West Grove Fire Company.
While the 2uesday Night Band entertained the steady stream of visitors at the Toughkenamon event, members of the Regional Police gave bike patrol rides to children, and at the dunk tank, New Garden Township Supervisor Richard Ayotte and township manager
Tony Scheivert volunteered to get wet.
“From a borough perspective, it’s important for us to partner with both our Regional Police force and the business owners in our community,” McCummings said. “We depend on the business owners to support the event through donations, and by their doing so, we’re able to provide the many activities that are available for our residents to enjoy. In these trying times nationally, it’s as important as anything to try to keep your community as tight-knit and as close as possible.”
In Toughkenamon, Rep. Christina Sappey of the 158th District thanked the police for “all they do for us every single day, every month, 24-7, 365,” and presented Police Chief Simpson with a certificate from the commonwealth that recognized the contributions the department has made.
Sappey also recognized the
large crowds that turned out for the three events.
“You’re coming out tonight shows the importance of community,” she said.
“Regardless of what’s happening on our national stage, you cannot take the love of our hometowns away from us.”
To contact Staff Writer Richard L. Gaw, email rgaw@ chestercounty.com
Photos by Richard L. Gaw
Bill Temme and Mike Ranieri of the West Grove Borough Council joined borough manager Greg McCummings and Deputy Chief Michael King in welcoming visitors at the National Night Out event in West Grove.
Some of the Godwin family sported fire helmets from the West Grove Fire Company.
Southern Chester County Regional Police Chief Gerald Simpson and members of the Avon Grove High School Marching Band struck up a tune in Avondale.
Magda and Lou Lassiter arrived at the West Grove event with their young family.
Unionville High School junior competes at National American Miss Pageant
photogenic and actress competitions in the Teen category. She was also selected in the
Top 10. Julia Snyder of Sugarloaf, PA was crowned the 2019 Miss Pennsylvania Teen. The National American Miss Pageant program is based on inner beauty as well as poise and presentation and offers an allAmerican spirit of fun for family and friends. The top winners go on to compete at Nationals in
Hollywood in November. Lauren has competed in the Unionville Fair pageant and was the Princess Alternate in 2015 and was the Fair Princess in 2018. She is the daughter of Chris and Danielle Chamberlain.
Lauren’s pageant coach is Becca Jackson, the 2013 Miss Delaware. Her photos were taken by Katie Jones Photography.
Kennett Library to host ‘Pirate Storytime’ with Victoria Wyeth
The Kennett Library will host a swashbuckling good time on Aug. 17 at 10 a.m., with a reading from Treasure Island by guest storyteller, Victoria Wyeth, the great-granddaughter of N.C. Wyeth, who created the original illustrations featured in the 1911 novel.
The classic tale of adventure, mutiny and the search for buried treasure will delight all ages, but is more suitable for ages 4 and older. After the story, the adventure continues as the Kennett Library staff hosts pirate-themed crafts and activities.
“Ahoy, Me Hearties! A Pirate Storytime” is a thematic preview of the third annual Kennett Library benefit, “The Glory of the Sea,” which will take place on Oct. 17 at The Stone Barn in
Kennett Square. Guests will enjoy an evening of stories and adventure with guest speaker Victoria
and
Courtesy photo
Lauren Chamberlain, a Kennett Square resident and Unionville High School junior, competed and won awards at the National American Miss Pageant. She has previously competed in the Unionville Community Fair Pageant.
Wyeth, food
a silent auction. Tickets for this annual fundraiser will go on sale later in August.
High rides and big eating coming to the Mushroom Festival
By Chris Barber Correspondent
The 34th annual Mushroom Festival on Sept. 7 and 8 will be a dream come true for anyone who’s ever had the desire to fly. And for those who get a kick out of watching other people consume huge amounts of food, the fried mushroom eating contest is back.
New this year is the zipline, which will take its riders for a highenergy trip, high above the pavement at the west end of State Street.
Adam Mitchell, owner of the company Zip and Bounce, describes the experience as “An adrenalin rush of a few seconds 35 feet in the air.”
Mitchell’s company, based in Coatesville, brings ziplines, bungee jumps and bounce houses to events nationwide. He will be bringing his bungee jump and bounce house to the festival as well. Mitchell said the zipline is an appropriate ride for all ages of participants. The riders are strapped in by their legs and waist, and assume a position almost like sitting in a chair. This safety arrangement, he said, assures that the body’s center of gravity is secured, and the riders do not risk tumbling off or falling backward if they let go. The metal zipline is held in place by towers at both ends of the 300-foot cable. At the Mushroom Festival it will run from the Lafayette Street area on State Street approximately down to Garfield Street. Mitchell said the road will be cleared of any events underneath the route of the cable.
In addition to the zipline and rides, the traditional shows and demonstrations for kids will also be back.
Festival coordinator Kathi Lafferty said that she has moved all of the children’s rides and
demonstrations down the hill to the Lafayette Street area at the west end of the event. This leaves room for music on the Community Stage at South Union Street.
Appearing to entertain kids will be Dan and Galla’s musical show; Pittman Magic, Juggling and Comedy; and Andrew’s Big Show.
Pittman Magic will perform on Saturday at 11:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. on Sunday. The Pittmans perform juggling and magic. Julia began competing and was a four-time finalist and international silver medalist juggler. He was awarded magic’s biggest honor, the Merlin Award, by the international Magicians Society.
Dan and Galla will perform at 11 a.m. and 1:45 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday. They are a husband and wife team whose love of music and the fun they have on stage appeals to everyone. Galla embraces her Russian heritage with her Russian three-stringed balalaika, and she plays the guitar, flute and ukulele. Dan is an accomplished pianist and plays keyboard, accordion and trumpet.
Andrew’s Big Show will perform on Saturday at 12:45 and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday Andrew has performed in the United States and internationally with juggling, circus skills and physical comedy.
Meanwhile, at the other end of town, the annual fried mushroom eating contest returns on Saturday afternoon and generates high levels of excitement.
Host Monty “Moe” Wiradilaga, dressed in glitzy garb and mask, will rev up the crowd’s noise level starting a 2:30 p.m. in the special events tent at East State and Willow streets. He will announce the contestants emcee the action. The contestants will be attempting to
beat the previous year’s record of eating 11.5 pounds of Buona fried mushrooms in eight minutes. Last year, 29 people participated from two tiers on the stage. The contest was won again by “Tank” McDowell, moving him to professional status, and opening up the field for a new local winner in 2019.
Newly located on South Union Street, the Community Entertainment Stage will host a steady stream of musicians throughout the two days:
Katelyn Christine will perform at 12:30
p.m. Saturday
Green Eggs and Ham will appear at 2 p.m.
Saturday
Chris Bruni will appear at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday
The Orpheus Supertones will play at 5 p.m. Saturday
The Gilroys will play from 6 to 8 p.m.
Saturday
It’s About People will perform at noon
Sunday
Campbell and Son will play at 1:30
Sunday
Hot Breakfast will play at 3 p.m. Sunday.
Each of the musical groups will play for about an hour.
Eagle Scout builds pedestrian bridge in Franklin Township
By John Chambless Staff Writer
An ambitious Eagle Scout project has resulted in a pedestrian bridge connecting local trails in the Wyndemere neighborhood in Franklin Township. A ceremony marked the opening on Aug. 6.
Wyndemere is on Church Hill Road in the township, just north of Auburn Road. A trail through the back of the neighborhood was provided by the builder and was completed in November 2016. However, no bridge was included in the contract.
Franklin Township officials saw a need for a connecting bridge, and offered to supply all the
materials to any volunteers who could construct the project. In the spring of 2019, Ethan Shovlin approached the township with a proposal to build the bridge as his Eagle Scout project. He had the support of the Wyndemere homeowners association and a group of volunteers from the township.
At the ceremony, Mike Petka, the homeowners association president, thanked Shovlin for his work. John Auerbach, chairman of the Franklin Township Board of Supervisors, said at the event, “Ethan did a great job in managing all elements of the project -- research, project scope development, planning, effectively
engaging people and material resources, project execution, cleanup, and completion. Managing all these elements, essentially converting an idea into a completed facility, is no easy task. It is an enormous transformation conducted by a young man with talent and determination.
“My 25 years of work experience as a project engineer for large industrial projects gives me a professional overview,” Auerbach continued. “I can tell you that Ethan managed this project very well and I would be pleased to have him on any project that I manage. Typically, Franklin Township provides up to $500 for materials for Eagle Scout projects. In
addition, scouts can get their own donations. In this case, Franklin Township provided all the materials, approximately $2,100 & $575. The materials were purchased at Oxford Feed & Lumber and Lowe’s. Because material was used in an Eagle Scout project, Oxford provided a significant discount.
“This is certainly one of the more complex Eagle Scout projects that has been presented to the township and required significant support from volunteers,” Auerbach concluded.
“This is a great community service project.”
To contact Staff Writer John Chambless, email jchambless@ chestercounty.com.
Courtesy photo Eagle Scout Ethan Shovlin, with his father, Neal Shovlin, at the new pedestrian bridge.
Courtesy photo
Dan and Galla will perform for children on Saturday and Sunday.
Courtesy photo
Children enjoy the thrill of zooming downward on a zipline and bouncing on a bungee cord.
Photo by Chris Barber
Contestants compete to consume the most mushrooms at a previous Mushroom Festival.
AARON MICHAEL PORTER
Aaron Michael Porter (Mickey), 60, of Coatesville, passed away on Aug. 1. Born in 1959, he was a devoted son, brother, uncle, nephew and friend. He was best known for his love of chickens, dogs and gardening, and his compassionate care for the elderly. Contributions in his honor can be made to any mental health organization or the American Cancer Society.
Obituary submissions
The Chester County Press publishes obituaries, free of charge, for those with a connection to southern Chester County. Obituaries appear on the Wednesday after they are received, space permitting. They also are
posted on www.chestercounty. com. Photos should be sent as .jpg attachments to the obituary text. To submit an obituary to the Chester County Press, email the information to: jchambless@ chestercounty.com
AVONDALE
Avondale Presbyterian Church
420 Pennsylvania Avenue
610.268.2919
www.avondalepc.org
St. Gabriel of the Sorrowful Mother 8910 Gap Newport Pike 610.268.0296
www.stgabrielavondalepa.org
KENNETT SQUARE
Bethel AME Church
300 E. Linden Street
610.444.2974
www.bethelameckennsq.org
Bible Evangelical Church of Kennett Square
500 E. Cypress Street
610.467.1081
www.bibleevangelicalchurch.org
Episcopal Church of the Advent
401 N. Union Street
610.444.4624
www.adventks.org
First Baptist Church of Kennett Square
415 W. State Street 610.444.5320
www.firstbaptistkennettsquare.com
Greater Works Ministries
553 Rosedale Road 610.444.5581
www.gwministries.net
Kennett Square Missionary Church 408 Bayard Road 610.444.0867
www.kennettsquarebaptist.com
Kennett Square Presbyterian Church
211 S. Broad Street
610.444.5255
www.pcks.org
New Garden Memorial U.A.M.E
309 E. Linden Street
610.444.3357
www.uamechurch.org
Second Baptist Church of Kennett Square
132
ANTOINETTE V. SCIOTTI
Antoinette V. Sciotti, 84, of West Grove, formerly of Oxford and Unionville, passed away on Aug. 5 at Twin Pines Health Care Center in West Grove. She was the wife of the late Alfred A. Sciotti, Sr., with whom she shared 54 years of marriage. Born in Sellersville, she was the daughter of the late Philip and Catherine Pompei Galluppi. Antoinette was a member of Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Church, West Grove.
She is survived by three sons, Anthony Sciotti of Oxford, Alfred A. Sciotti, Jr. of Cochranville, and Vincent Sciotti of Quarryville; one daughter, Anna Marie Sciotti-Walls of West Grove; 14 grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; two brothers, Albert Galluppi of Perkasie and Adam Galluppi of Sellersville; four sisters, Josephine Mahoney of Mt. Ariel, Phyllis Gesmaker of Oxford, Louise Mayall of New Albany, and Diane Bauer of East Greenville. She was preceded in death by her grandson, Christopher Anthony Sciotti; and two brothers, Sabatino Galluppi and Philip Galluppi.
A Mass of Christian Burial was held Aug. 9. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Assumption BVM Church, 300 State Rd., West Grove, PA, 19390. Visit www.elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Through Aug. 21
‘Summer Fun’ series
West Grove United Methodist Church continues its Wednesday night “Summer Fun for Everyone” series. The free weekly event is held through Aug. 21. The whole community is invited on Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. There will be hotdogs, games, fellowship and a brief word from pastor Monica each week. All beverages will be supplied. Side dishes are welcome, but not required. Games will be available, as well as a gated playground with new equipment. Weather permitting, there will be a slip-and-slide set up. For more information, visit www.
Unionville Presbyterian Church 815 Wollaston Road 610.347.2327
www.unionvillepresbyterianchurch.org
Willowdale Chapel 675 Unionville Road 610.444.2670 www.willowdalechapel.org
WEST GROVE and SURROUNDING AREAS
Assumption BVM Church 300 State Road 610.869.2722
www.assumptionbvmwestgrove.org
Avon Grove Church of the Nazarene 240 State Road 610.869.9500 www.avongrove.church
West Grove Presbyterian Church 139 W. Evergreen Street 610.869.9458 www.westgrovepres.org
West Grove United Methodist Church 300 N. Guernsey Road 610.869.9334 www.westgroveumc.org
Willowdale Chapel–Jennersville 111 Vineyard Way, Jennrsville 610.444.2670 www.willowdalechapel.org
Landenberg United Methodist Church
205 Penn Green Road, Landenberg 610.274.8384 www.landenbergchurch.com
Christian Life Center 125 Saginaw Road, New London 610.869.2140 www.CLCFamily.church
New London United Methodist Church 1010 State Road, New London 610.869.8129 www.umc.org
St.
westgroveumc.org or call
610-869-9334.
Aug. 24
Buffet Breakfast
Oxford United Methodist Church (18 Addison St., Oxford) will offer a community buffet breakfast on Aug. 24 from 7 to 10 a.m. The menu includes pancakes, French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, sausage and more. Tickets are $7 for adults and $3 for ages 3 to 10 at the door. Call 610-932-9698 for more information.
Aug. 25
Worship at Old Kennett Meetinghouse
Old Kennett Meetinghouse (1013 E. Baltimore Pike, Kennett Square) will hold public worship in the historic building, built between 1718 and 1731, on Aug. 25 at 9 a.m. Visit www.kennettfriends.org for more information.
GUSTEN LUTTER
Gusten Lutter, 88, of Kennett Square, passed away on Aug. 5. A service was held Aug. 8.
Gusten was born to Agnes and Gustav Käsper in 1931 in Estonia. Gustav Käsper passed away in 1933. His mother married Ott Lutter in 1935, who raised Gusten as his own. The Soviets invaded in 1939 and the family fled their home. Ending the war in displaced persons camps in Germany, they were brought to the U.S. in 1949 by relatives living in Long Island. Gusten began his college education in electrical engineering at New York University.
After a semester, he accepted a full scholarship to the University of Denver. Not wishing to be separated, the whole family moved to Denver. He met his future wife, Lorry, shortly before graduation. He was set to start at the DuPont Company in Wilmington, Del., so they wed eight weeks after meeting. They celebrated their 65th anniversary on June 24. He and Lorry raised their children in two homes that Gus, Lorry and his parents, built with their own hands, in Holliday Farms, Kennett Square. During these years, life was full of kids, parties (especially the annual neighborhood Christmas caroling), best friend neighbors, Baltimore Estonian School every Sunday, Estonian camp, trips back to Colorado, fishing, and tons of photographs. Gus was rarely without his camera.
Gus worked in Central Research and Development at DuPont’s Experimental Station for 33 years, primarily as a manager. In retirement, he was a constant presence in his grandchildren’s lives, sharing his love of sushi, attending their events, and taking them joyfully to free Estonia because the Soviets were gone.
He leaves behind wife, Lorry; children and their families, Clyde Ott (Kathy), Gusten Jr. (Laurie Meadows), Tiiu Jill (Doug Tennent), Jaan Heino, and also Carol Clinkenbeard and Tom Rudolph; seven grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to one of these organizations that Gusten has long supported: Järvemetsa Estonian Scout Camp, checks made payable to FAAEY send to FAAEY Treasurer, PO Box 1107, Jackson, NJ, 08527 or donate at Jarvemetsa.org; Estonian American Fund, PO Box 7369 Silver Spring, MD 20907. View his complete obituary online at www. kuzoandfoulkfh.com/obituaries.
CATHY D. HOSTETLER
Cathy D. “Gentry” Hostetler, 60, of Lincoln University, passed away on Aug. 7 at home.
She was the wife of George Hostetler, with whom she shared 37 years of marriage. Born in Delaware County, she was the daughter of the late William and Margaret Gentry of West Grove. Cathy was a member of the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square for 36 years. She was formerly employed with JAM Christian Daycare at First Baptist Church of Kennett Square during the early stages. She also worked with the youth in a puppet ministry. She enjoyed working with children. Cathy enjoyed crafts and reading. She loved her children, grandchildren and her pets, especially her dog, Gemmie.
She is survived by her mother; three children, Heather Hendershot (Keith) of Washington, Mass., Samantha Eaton (Jarod) of Ellabell, Ga., George D. Hostetler of Cochranville; two brothers, William Gentry of Millford, Del., and Mark Gentry of Lincoln University; two sisters, Peggy Gaudi of West Chester, and Trisha Gentry of Coatesville; and six grandchildren. A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Aug. 14 at the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square (415 W. State St., Kennett Square), where friends and family may visit from 10 to 11 a.m. Interment will be private. In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to the American Diabetes Association, P.O. Box 15829, Arlington, VA 22215; or the First Baptist Church of Kennett Square. Visit www. elcollinsfuneralhome.com.
Because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
James 1:3
Non-OperativeTreatment forArthritis Pain
Scott Ritterman, M.D.
CLINICAL EXPERTISE
Joint Replacement Surgery, Revision Joint Replacement Surgery, Fracture Care
EDUCATION/TRAINING
Undergraduate–Lehigh University, Bethlehem, PA
M.D.–The Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University, North Chicago, IL
Internship–Rhode Island Hospital/Brown Medical School, Providence, RI
Residency–Rhode Island Hospital/Brown Medical School, Providence, RI Fellowship–Rhode Island Hospital/Brown Medical School, Providence, RI–Orthopaedic Trauma Fellowship–Massachusetts General Hospital/Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA–Hip and Knee Reconstruction
CERTIFICATION
Board Eligible–American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
AAOS–American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons
AAHKS–American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons
OTA–Orthopaedic Trauma Association
INTERESTING FACT
Dr. Ritterman spends his
Brandywine Conservancy accreditation renewed by Land Trust Alliance
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art has achieved renewal of its accreditation from the Land Trust Accreditation Commission, an independent program of the Land Trust Alliance. The accreditation program recognizes land conservation organizations that meet national high-quality standards for protecting important natural places and working lands. Since 1967, the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art has been protecting and conserving the land, water, natural and cultural resources in southeastern Pennsylvania and northern Delaware, with more than 66,000 acres of open space permanently protected to date. It was also one of the first conservation organizations to be awarded accreditation by the Land Trust
Accreditation Commission in 2008. Since then, the Brandywine Conservancy has successfully completed the rigorous accreditation renewal process twice, maintaining its accreditation status for over a decade.
“We are thrilled to have received our accreditation renewal through the Land Trust Accreditation Commission,” said Virginia A. Logan, the Frolic Weymouth executive director and CEO of the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art. “This award is an affirmation of our commitment to excellence in all aspects of our innovative conservation work and serves as a guiding framework for maintaining the highest national standards that the Brandywine has consistently maintained over the years.”
The Land Trust Accreditation Commission conducts an extensive review of each applicant’s policies and programs every five years. As a result of these efforts, the Land Trust Accreditation Commission awarded renewal accreditation, signing its confidence in the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s capability to protect land and steward its easements in perpetuity.
“This accreditation renewal acknowledges our past work and ensures that the Brandywine continues to hold itself to the highest
professional standards in the land trust field now and in the future,” said Ellen Ferretti, Director of the Brandywine Conservancy.
“It provides confidence to our landowners, constituents, members and donors that this organization can and will responsibly fulfill the promise of preserving and stewarding natural resources for generations to come.”
“The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is a conservation leader in our state, working effectively and efficiently to conserve land, protect water and connect people to the
outdoors throughout southeastern Pennsylvania,” said Andrew Loza, Pennsylvania Land Trust Association Executive Director. “The Pennsylvania Land Trust Association congratulates the Brandywine Conservancy on achieving accreditation renewal and looks forward to helping Brandywine continue its excellent conservation efforts in the future.”
“It is exciting to recognize the Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art’s continued commitment to national standards by renewing this national mark of distinction,”
said Tammara Van Ryn, executive director of the commission. “Donors and partners can trust the more than 400 accredited land trusts across the country are united behind strong standards and have demonstrated sound finances, ethical conduct, responsible governance, and lasting stewardship.”
The Brandywine Conservancy & Museum of Art is one of 1,363 land trusts across the United States, according to the Land Trust Alliance’s most recent National Land Trust Census. Visit www. landtrustaccreditation.org.
Phoenixville Pa 19460 File Date: July 8,2019. 8p-14-1t FICTITIOUS
An application for registration of the fictitious name Daughters Rising, 2001 W. Street Rd., West Chester, PA 19382 has been filed in the Department of State at Harrisburg, PA, File Date 06/10/2019 pursuant to the Fictitious Names Act, Act 1982-295. The name and address of the person who is a party to the registration is Gretchen CS Kehan, 2001 W. Street Rd., West Chester, PA 19382. 8p-14-1t
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an online auction to sell metal folding chairs will
Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 8p-14-1t
NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the London Grove Township Board of Supervisors will conduct a special meeting on Thursday, August 29,2019 at 6:00 p.m. to discuss the Ap Zoning District and any other business before them. The meeting will be held in the London Grove Township Building, 372 Rose Hill Road, West Grove, PA. The public is invited to attend. Kenneth Battin, Township Manager 8p-14-1t
NOTICE OF GRANTING LETTERS TESTAMENTARY
ESTATE OF THOMAS B.T. BALDWIN, Deceased, Late of the Township of Pennsbury, PA, Chester County, Pennsylvania. NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that Letters Testamentary on the above Estate have been granted to the undersigned who requests all persons having claims or demands against the Estate of the decedent to
www.SLDinvestigations.com sherry@SLDinvestigations.com
Aug. 16
Movies in the Park
Oxford Memorial Park will host an outdoor screening of “Coco” on Aug. 16 at dusk. The event is free. Bring your own seating. The movie previews start at 8:30 p.m. In the event of rain, the event will be cancelled. Visit www.OxfordPa.org or the Oxford Facebook page for more information.
Aug. 17
Everyday Hero Run
The 3rd Annual Everyday Hero Run is a 5K run and one-mile walk dedicated to the memory of Oxford resident Jerome Rodio. Run (or walk) the scenic route through Nottingham Park in Oxford. Proceeds benefit the Oxford Veterans Breakfast and the Oxford Chamber of Commerce. Visit www. OxfordPa.org.
Through Aug. 28
Bike & Hike & Brews
Visitors are invited to stroll or roll into Hagley Museum (200 Hagley Creek Rd., Wilmington, Del.) this summer for the 21st annual Bike & Hike & Brews series from 5 to 8 p.m.
Every Wednesday evening from June through August, participants can bike, hike, jog, or walk a three-mile path and finish the evening with the purchase of one of Dogfish Head’s three craft beer offerings (two favorites and a new addition).
Woodside Farm Creamery sweet treats are also sold during every Bike & Hike & Brews. Participants are invited to explore parts of the 235-acre property not usually open to visitors on a path from Hagley’s Visitor Center to the first du Pont home and back.
Visitors can bring a picnic meal or purchase food from Hagley’s Belin House Café. Admission is $3 (Hagley
members and children under 5 free). Visit www. hagley.org/bike for more information.
Sept. 6
First Friday Car Show
Oxford Mainstreet, Inc., will be hosting its sixth annual car show as the First Friday event in September. More than 250 antique, classic, and modern cars on display from 4 to 8 p.m. Visit www.downtownoxfordpa. org for details. Sept. 7 and 8 Mushroom Festival
The 2019 Mushroom Festival events will be held Sept. 6 to 8 in Kennett Square. The festival kicks off on Friday with the Community Parade, live music and carnival. Events on Saturday and Sunday include a street fair with more than 250 vendors, a car show, culinary demonstrations by renowned chefs, displays by local mushroom growers, live music and children’s entertainment, and plenty of mushroom specialties. Visit www.mushroomfestival.org for information.
Sept. 22
Crab feast
A crab feast hosted by the Oxford Rotary Foundation will be held Sept. 22 from 1 to 4 p.m. at The Wellwood in Charlestown, Md. There will be all-you-can-eat steamed crabs and shrimp, Maryland crab soup, fried chicken, corn on the cob, potato salad and cole slaw, cookies and brownies. A cash bar will be available. Tickets are $60 per person in advance, $65 at the door (12 and younger $20). Online tickets are available at oxfordrotaryfoundation. com. For more information, call Jim McLeod at 610-256-5794.
Sept. 28 Apple Festival
The Oxford Presbyterian Church Apple Festival in Oxford Memorial Park takes place on Sept. 28. The event takes place from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. There will be dozens of vendors, games for children, and entertainment. For more information, visit www.opcapplefestival.org.
Through Sept. 29 Festival of Fountains
The Longwood Gardens (Route 1, Kennett Square) Festival of Fountains runs through Sept. 29. The three fountain gardens perform daily. The Main Fountain Garden includes new fiveminute shows at 6:15 and 8:15 p.m. through August. Evening illuminated fountain performances in the Main Fountain Garden feature new shows Thursday through Saturday evenings at 9:15 p.m. (through August) and at 8:15 p.m. in September. The Italian Water Garden and Open Air Theatre fountains have shows daily as well. For families, Longwood has interactive indoor and outdoor gardens, three treehouses to explore, and ample opportunity to roam. Families can also enjoy new Festive Friday evenings, designed with themed family-friendly activities. Longwood is open from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sunday through Wednesday; 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Thursday through Saturday from May through August; and 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sept. 5 to 29. Admission is by timed admission ticket only. To purchase tickets, visit www.longwoodgardens.org.
To submit items to the Calendar of Events, e-mail jchambless@chestercounty. com. There is no charge. Not every submission can be included. Items should be submitted at least two weeks before the event.
Discover scenic vistas at Bike the Brandywine
The Brandywine Conservancy’s annual Bike the Brandywine event returns for its fourth year on Sept. 28, with four bike routes -- including a new metric century option (100 kilometers/62 miles) -- that explore the Brandywine Creek Greenway and surrounding countryside. Riders can choose from 25-, 45-, 62- and 80-mile routes. Proceeds from the ride benefit the clean water programs of the Brandywine Conservancy, which has been dedicated to helping preserve water quality and quantity in the region for more than 50 years. For the complete Bike the Brandywine experience, riders on the 80-mile loop will travel along both the East and West Branches of the scenic Brandywine. Beginning in Chadds Ford, the route travels all the way to the headwaters of the river in Honey Brook
Township. Along the way, riders will experience iconic Western Chester County vistas and rural landscapes, rich history and active farmland.
New this year, the metric century route follows along the West Branch of the river and journeys 62 miles through countryside and historic sites. After departing from Chadds Ford, riders will travel to the Conservancy’s Laurels Preserve and through the King Ranch area in Unionville before winding their way through Modena and the historic village of Marshallton.
For a similar ride with less mileage, the 45-mile route closely follows along to the metric century journey. Those looking for a more recreational option can join the 25-mile ride along the Brandywine Creek Greenway. The 25-mile loop closely mirrors the early routes of the other rides, following the West Branch of the Brandywine River through open farmland, scenic river valleys and equestrian landscapes.
Each loop starts and ends at the Chadds Ford Historical Society (1736 N. Creek Road, Chadds Ford). Well provisioned rest stops are available every 10 to 20 miles, depending on the route.
Cyclists of legal drinking age will be entitled to one free pint of Victory beer at the ride’s conclusion. A post-ride celebration at the Chadds Ford Historical Society includes free
lunch for all riders. The event takes place rain or shine on Sept. 28 from 6:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Advance registration is $50 per rider, but the fee will increase closer to the date of the event. To register, visit www. bikethebrandywine.org
The Brandywine Creek Greenway is a regional planning initiative of the Brandywine Conservancy, involving 27 municipal partners in Chester and Delaware counties in Pennsylvania and New Castle County and the City of Wilmington in Delaware, to create a 40-milelong conservation and recreation corridor along both branches of the Brandywine.
The Greenway stretches from the Christina River in the City of Wilmington to the Pennsylvania Highlands in Honey Brook Township. The Brandywine Creek Greenway and its network of parks and trails form the western limit of the Circuit Trails, a regional trail network of the greater Philadelphia region.
The vision of the Brandywine Creek Greenway is to build healthier, more sustainable communities, by emphasizing the natural and cultural resources of the area; preserving and protecting the Brandywine River; and creating connections among open space, parks, river access points and area attractions. To learn more, visit www. brandywinegreenway.org.
Citadel Country Spirit USA brings superstars to the stage
Next weekend, thousands of country music fans will converge for Citadel Country Spirit USA, a country music festival being held Aug. 23 to 25 at the Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds.
The inaugural threeday event earned rave reviews in 2018. Event producers, sponsors and community leaders have set out to make the 2019 festival even better.
The concert features 20 performers on two stages. The GMC Sierra Stage lineup includes headliner Billy Currington on Friday, Little Big Town on Saturday and Old Dominion on Sunday, plus big names such as Lee Brice, Lauren Alaina, Brothers Osborne, Eli Young Band and more.
Showcasing country music powerhouse performers, Old Dominion is the reigning Academy of Country Music (ACM) and Country Music Association (CMA) Vocal Group of the Year. Little Big Town was the ACM Vocal Group of the Year from 2015 to 2017 and CMA Vocal Group of the Year from 2012 to 2017.
The selection of tristate area bands for the Citadel Rising Star Stage is new this year. Finalists competed for a stage slot in a concert held Aug. 7 and 8 at Valley Forge Casino.
Also new this year, the Dover Air Force Base will open each day’s main stage performance with a patriotic Honor Guard.
Citadel credit cardholders are invited to the new Citadel Mastercard Lounge for an exclusive, VIP experience, including a free drink and appetizers, private restrooms, swag, activities and giveaways. For information and to make a reservation, visit
www.citadelbanking. com/Lounge. From quintessential Philly favorites to nachos, tacos and quesadillas, the festival’s food lineup has something for all.
The Sierra Nevada Beer Camp is expected to be a popular watering hole again this year, as is Barefoot Wine’s beach party set and secondstory viewing area.
Crown Royal is new to the mix this year.
Crown Royal invites
festival attendees to participate in The Purple Bag Project, writing notes and stuffing care packages being sent to active service men and women all over the world. While there, visitors can take a spin on the Crown Royal mechanical bull, with proceeds benefitting the Chester County Hero Fund, providing financial assistance to the families of first responders who are injured or killed in the line of duty.
In preparation for the festival, capital improvements are being made 33-acre Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds, located at 5 Nantmeal Road.
Hosted by Chester County’s Brandywine Valley, Citadel Country Spirit USA attracted 22,000 attendees from 26 states and two Canadian provinces in 2018. Again this year, a portion of all ticket sales will be donated to
Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP).
A total of $100,000 was raised for the nonprofit organization in 2018 -- $50,000 from tickets sold and a $50,000 match from Citadel. Single-day tickets are priced from $89 plus fees. Three-day passes are priced from $249 plus fees. Purchase tickets and premium parking online at www. CountrySpiritUSA. com. To charge by phone, call 1-800-514-3849.
CCIU and PennDOT open new driver’s testing centers
The Chester County Intermediate Unit (CCIU) has recently collaborated with the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) to satisfy the need for additional driver’s testing centers for Pennsylvania drivers. Now residents can take a driver’s test and receive a license at multiple locations throughout Chester County.
The CCIU has been certified by PennDOT as an approved third-party Driver Testing Center and now offers two additional on-the-road driver examination centers in Chester County: one at the Technical College High School (TCHS) Pennock’s Bridge Campus (280 Pennock’s Bridge Rd., West Grove) and the other at the CCIU (455 Boot Rd., Downingtown).
“I am very excited to be a part of the team that will bring additional Driver Testing Centers into our communities. These centers will open up additional options for the residents of Chester County and surrounding communities,” said Debra MacCausland, office manager of the CCIU’s Driver Testing Centers.
The fees for the driver’s testing exam are: Standard rate - $100 Discounted rate (for drivers completing the CCIU’s Driver Education Online course and Behind-the-Wheel Training) - $75
Retest rate (at the CCIU facility only) - $60 The Driver Education Online course was developed by the CCIU and consists of online instruction taught by a state-certified teacher. Students are instructed about proper vehicle handling techniques, the consequences of driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, state laws, handling car emergencies and more. Behind-the-Wheel training consists of six hours of actual driving experience on the road with an instructor. Learn more at www.cciu.org/ drivered.
For more information about the CCIU Driver Testing Centers, visit www.cciu.org/driverstest.
The testing centers are open on Monday, Thursday and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Both locations are now accepting appointments. To schedule a driver’s test, make an appointment at www.cciu.org/driverstest.
The scenic Ludwig’s Corner Horse Show Grounds will be packed with thousands of country music fans next weekend.
Tickets on sale for Taylor Hicks in Kennett Square on Oct. 12
The Kennett Flash will mark its 10th anniversary with a concert by Taylor Hicks on Oct. 12 at Anson B. Nixon Park in Kennett Square.
Hicks, the season five winner of “American Idol,” will perform at 4 p.m. There will be food trucks, and beer and wine sales at the event. Bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. No coolers or pets will be allowed. The gates open at 1 p.m., and an opening act (TBA) performs at 3 p.m.
Tickets are $25 (general admission lawn in advance), $30 (general admission lawn day of show), and $40 (general admission table and chair seating near the stage).
This is the primary fundraiser for the Kennett Flash this year, and sponsorships start at $500, including tickets to the event and advertising for local businesses. Visit www. kennettflash.org or call 484-732-8295 for information.
White Horse Village develops new strategic initiatives
White Horse Village, a not-forprofit continuing care retirement community in Newtown Square, Pa., is celebrating its 30th anniversary year with the debut of a revised vision, mission and core values along with three new strategic initiatives that aim to strengthen its 96-acre campus and the lives of current and future residents.
The older adult landscape in the U.S. and Pennsylvania is quickly evolving due to
the rapid growth of the older adult population, as well as their changing wants and needs. In the U.S., the Census Bureau predicts that there will be more people ages 65 or older in the U.S. in 2035 than people under the age of 18. In Pennsylvania alone, approximately 2.9 million of 12.8 million total residents are adults aged 60 and older, and that segment is expected to increase 25 percent by next year, according to the Commonwealth’s
Department of Aging.
In an effort to enhance all of its offerings and prepare for the future of the older adult landscape, White Horse Village has outlined key strategic initiatives aligned to its new mission to provide opportunities for residents that emphasize personal growth, connectedness and relationships. These initiatives include: Infrastructure: Over the next several years, campus infrastructure
will be strengthened through continuous capital improvements, such as the installation of campus-wide WiFi, a new facility master plan and other technology integrations. White Horse Village also recently announced a partnership with K4Connect to roll out the most advanced senior living technology on the market to residents and team members.
On-campus resident services: Continuing
to provide its residents with premium amenities and services, White Horse Village will expand and improve resident offerings, such as increased wellness programming, and enhanced healthcare support services.
Community aging services : In order to support the aging community in the surrounding area, White Horse Village will look at possible partnerships with local associations and organizations, to
evaluate the possibility of added services to the local community.
In addition, in honor of its 30th anniversary, White Horse Village team members and residents are participating in a number of celebratory events this year, including a tree-planting ceremony in which three dogwood trees were planted in honor of each decade of service, the Village Singers concert series, and a murder mystery dinner event.
